American singer and actress, Erykah Badu, has said that “R.Kelly” needs love and prayer amidst widespread criticism and numerous allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against by #MeToo victims.
The singer said that she loves “R.Kelly, unconditionally, however, she doesn’t support his poor choices.
Badu said this during her performance at Aragon Ballroom in Chicago recently.
“I don’t know how everybody else feels about it, but I’m putting out a prayer right now for R,”
“I hope he sees the light of day if he’s done all those things that we’ve seen on TV,”she said.
Badu further went ahead to criticise the outcry against R. Kelly, saying: “What if one of the people who were assaulted by Kelly becomes an offender? We gonna crucify them too?”
Meanwhile, Badu’s statement has generated mixed reactions on Twitter with a majority condemning her for defending “a sexual predator.”
Some also called on Twitter to remove her from the interactive social media platform.
However, some fans felt that the message had been lost in translation. While it’s reportedly not her entire speech, here’s a snippet of Erykah Badu’s addressing the audience.
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In the wake of the “Surviving R.Kelly” series, victims, celebrities, notable personalities and activists had strongly condemned R.Kelly for subjecting his victims to horrific sexual practices and bullying.
Earlier this month, the documentary’s producer revealed that Badu was one of many artists who turned down the opportunity to appear.
After the barrage of criticisms that trailed her mid-performance remark, Badu took to Twitter to reiterate her stand on the issue.
She tweeted,
“I love you, unconditionally. That doesn’t mean I support your poor choices.
“I want healing for you and anyone you have hurt as a result of you being hurt. Is that strange to you? That’s all I’ve ever said.
“Anything else has been fabricated or taken out of context.”
I love you. Unconditionally.
That doesn’t mean I support your poor choices.
I want healing for you and anyone you have hurt as a result of you being hurt. Is that strange to you ?
That’s all I’ve ever said. Anything else has been fabricated or taken out of context. – eb— ErykahBadoula (@fatbellybella) January 21, 2019
See some comments:
Reducing decades of abuses and violence to poor choices is where you’re misstepping. Responding to such devastating circumstances requires a great amount of discernment and depth. I see where you’re coming from to an extent, not sure why ur loving on him instead of his prey.
— Leather (@BeLeather) January 21, 2019
If you have a personal relationship with him I would address it personally. I hope you’re aware of how your fans (some who are victims of sexual violence) see your comments as softening his terror.
— Leather (@BeLeather) January 21, 2019
my problem is that you have a history of blaming lil girls for the male attraction they receive + you speak about the trauma Kelly faced more than you are affirming of the many young Black girls he continues to victimize
— MS. BLISS ? (@ajthe1ne) January 21, 2019
Furthermore, your use of the word “mistake” is dismissive to the fact this man is a SERIAL abuser. That’s not a mistake, it’s a way of life & you have not denounced that way of life AT ALL.
— MS. BLISS ? (@ajthe1ne) January 21, 2019
If you’re going to show him love & forgiveness … at least address his wrongdoing instead of MINIMIZING it. Cause I bet if you left Mars & Puma alone with the man they would be UNSAFE. Just like the rest of the lil Black girls you refuse to acknowledge smh
— MS. BLISS ? (@ajthe1ne) January 21, 2019
Auntie @fatbellybella we understand your point of view and you’re not raising monsters. Your belief is simple love, unconditional love. It’s not meant to be perceived as you taking his side. I think that’s the misconception, you’re obviously not condoning his behavior. pic.twitter.com/6XWGIf4Ku4
— Graphics 20/20 (@G20Twenty) January 21, 2019
It’s more than “poor choices.” Poor choices = eating fried foods everyday. Poor choices = breaking up with someone over text. Serial rape and abuse of black/brown girls and young women for over 20 years is a helluva lot more than a “poor choice.” LET’S. BE. REAL.
— Avril (@avrilnyc01) January 21, 2019
I’m glad I saw this clip, because I was appalled when I heard the rumors. Goes to show, you have to conduct your own research. Thank you for clarifying.
— Drew (@uncdrew) January 21, 2019
Part of you is on his side and not on the side of his victims and their families: that is what your comments sound and seem like. No wonder people are outraged. If you had mentioned healing for the victims first, maybe you would not get so much backlash.
— sjcNKOTB (@sjcNKOTB) January 21, 2019
You’re a freethinker love. You know how to formulate your own thoughts and opinions. And you always have. This isn’t new for you. They didn’t want to understand. They just want you to think as they do #freethinker #yougoodboo
— Rod (@rodmcd2) January 21, 2019
That’s great. But he still needs to be held accountable for his actions, which by the way, he refuses to take ownership of. Therefore, he can’t have healing, forgiveness or peace.
— Karla Gonzalez (@kvanny79) January 21, 2019
Hurt people hurt people. I want healing for everyone.
He will face consequences for his behavior regardless of my opinion.— Saint Side Eye ? (@overanalyze1421) January 21, 2019
It’s hard to understand by people who have an either/or perspective. Folk who can see shades of gray, are confortable with ambiguity, and are open to the possibilities are capable of comprehending nuance…imho
— ?Dawn? (@BmoreLibraLady) January 21, 2019
It’s getting ridiculous! Love him or not, this man has broken up families, and called himself “The Pied Piper” on songs with young artists. He has ruined lives. He denies doing anything wrong. Jesus casted out demons and told ppl about themselves. They killed Him.
— Free Your Phire, LLC (@FreePhire) January 21, 2019
Say that shit !! That man need help…these girls aren’t the first and wont be the last and they’re going to need counseling… the black community has overlooked abuse of our children not just little girls but boys too l…but we gotta start the healing somewhere.
— TaviX (@TaeCarolinaBluu) January 21, 2019
Mama Badu done gave y’all nothing but LOVE and her soul for as long as we’ve known. And now that something about R. Kelly comes out that I’m pretty sure we’ve known for most of our lives… she’s to blame for continuing to do what she always has? Y’all’re toxic. Love, Mama ?
— Billy Notung (@theheronamed) January 21, 2019
